As 2024 came to a close, I reflected on the incredible journey we’ve shared as a chapter thus far.
This past year has been one of growth, connection, and moments that perfectly capture our theme: #Radiance—“sharing our light and igniting it in others”.
2025 is already brimming with promise, bringing renewed energy and excitement for what lies ahead. I’m continually inspired by the magic of the EO Board who serve you and those “Only in EO” experiences that remind us of the power of shared learning, meaningful connections, and unwavering support. Whether we’re celebrating each other’s wins, navigating challenges together, or tapping into the wisdom of our Global network, these moments show that EO is far more than an Organisation - it’s a transformative journey that enriches us in every way.
Whether you’re a seasoned member or just beginning your EO adventure, know that this is a community where you belong, a place that will inspire, support and celebrate you at every step. Together, we’ll make 2025 a year to remember, filled with purpose, passion and unforgettable experiences.
I look forward to seeing you at the Summer Social 1 March.
Here’s to an extraordinary 2025 – may it be your most #Radiant year yet!
With Gratitude and Excitement, Gaynor President, EO Cape Town
#radiance Newsletter
Andile Khumalo
Anton Gillis
Membership & Diversity
As a chapter, we continue to thrive, and it’s a pleasure to share some of our achievements for FY 24/25 so far:
· We welcomed 32 new members, bringing our total to 154 members.
· We welcomed three new female members and five new members under age 35 (our chapter’s average age is 45).
· Our chapter’s average tenure is 4.7 years, with our longest-serving member, JP Villion, at an impressive 19 years.
One of EO’s most valuable yet underutilised benefits is the personal connections we share with members from the 20 vibrant chapters across the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa (MEPA) region. If you are considering scaling your business or exploring oppor tunities in these countries, we encourage you to leverage these connections and reach out to the respective chapters. Please contact us if you want an introduction; we will gladly guide you.
Additionally, we highly recommend attending our sub-regional EO events. These gatherings offer a unique opportunity to engage with members from diverse religious, cultural, and industrial backgrounds. They are a testament to our privilege as EO members—a kaleidoscope of insights and shared experiences.
For new members, a quick reminder
You can use your $1000 EO Joining Voucher at any of the following upcoming events this year
· EO Ignite: Durban 8-10 June 2025
· EO Unleashed: Tunisia October (We wait with excitement for dates. Watch this space.)
Diversity in our EO Cape Town Chapter is about more than demographics—it’s about embracing a spectrum of perspectives, experiences, industries, and cultures that enrich our community. By fostering diversity, we create a dynamic ecosystem that reflects the global nature of entrepreneurship and ensures our chapter thrives with fresh ideas and deeper connections.
R5,000
One of our strongest methods of recruitment remains EO member referrals. Remember, if you successfully refer a new member, you qualify for an EO voucher valued at R5,000.
Thank you for contributing to the growth and success of our chapter. Let’s continue building deeper connections and scaling new heights together!
Learning
Six months in and twenty learning events later, we’ve explored everything from founders’ journeys to AI workshops and satirical comedy. We learnt about work-life balance, productivity hacks, international tax structures, and even the pros and cons of Ozempic. And this is just the beginning! 2025 promises even more exciting opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
Look forward to thought-provoking speakers, deep discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive experiences that address the challenges and opportunities shaping our businesses and lives. From mastering leadership and resilience, to ITBs, there will be something for everyone. Stay tuned—plenty of surprises are still to come.
Round of Applause Reloaded – South Africa Still Standing with Marianne Thamm
With her signature wit and insightful commentary, Thamm had us laughing and reflecting. She highlighted the strength of South Africa’s democracy, and her message remained one of hope and resilience.
Manuela Dias de Deus
Future Framing: Marc Gregory
Through practical exercises, Marc pushed us to examine our pasts and our future. The workshop was a call to action, galvanising everyone to bring more heart, depth, and truth into life. It left us inspired, connected, and empowered.
Leading Through Change: Insights for a New Era: Sizwe Mpofu Walsh
Dr. Sizwe Mpofu Walsh, Founder of SMWX, author and scholar, was in conversation with his friend and EO member Velani Mboweni. After a brief and informative check-in on the current political landscape, the discussion transitioned into a warm, insightful, and laughter-filled dialogue.
Unlocking Longevity with Dr Ben Coetsee: Let’s chat about Biohacking & Health
Dr. Ben Coetzee’s talk was jam-packed with information, he was seriously knowledgeable, and very funny. What did we learn? Be lean and build muscle; rapid muscle loss can take years off your life. You can create good habits, eat well, strengthen your muscles, take medications for longevity, and lessen your stress, but you also need to have strong relationships, so build your community now. Luckily, we have EO.
Upcoming Events
JONKERSHOEK HIKE
Hike and Lunch
14 FEBRUARY 2025
07h15-14h00
Jonkershoek
ITB: CEO of G&G Productions
26 FEBRUARY 2025
09h00-10h30
Rockefeller Hotel
ROSHAN JELAL
Insights from FNB Head of Fraud
5 MARCH 2025
16h00-18h00
Queen’s Lounge
BRUCE & TRACEY ROWE
Implementing EOS
11 MARCH 2025
09h00-11h00
Old Mutual House
ANNA KELBERG
Sex Beyond the Honeymoon
MEN ONLY: TBC
GOODLUCK & DJ RIZZO
Summer Social
1 MARCH 2025
18h00-22h00
A Ou Wingerd Road Constantia
Sex Beyond the Honeymoon
WOMEN ONLY: 19 MARCH 2025
18h00-19h30 Oranjezicht
GREG WALSH
ANNA KELBERG
Engagement
Last quarter was busy, including the hugely popular Come Dine with Me, our annual Poker night, a new member dinner, and blueberry picking with EO member Simon Back.
We also held two more “Extract value sessions” to unlock EO's products and services. Contact manager@eocapetown.com for details on the next one.
Come Dine with Me (Spring Edition)
Nine EO and EOA board members hosted tables in their homes. A little mystery went a long way, and the evening sparked new friendships and connections. Thanks again to Andrea Foulkes and her team from Dish Social for making the magic happen and delivering meals from Franschhoek to Noordhoek and Hout Bay—quite the feat.
Blueberry Picking at Greendale
40 children were climbing trees, zip lining, and having fun together. The grown-ups were connecting too and learning that finding ripe blueberries is a mindful task. It was a bonding experience all around.
Yvonne Wakefield
Adrien Erasmus
Poker Night
A full house with EO, EOA members, NEXT GEN and partners. The ambience was charged with camaraderie, and high stakes.
“Free to be” Yoga and Brunch on the Beach (Women of EO)
A special journey of sound, stretching and dance, followed by a dip in the ocean, New York Bagels and goodie bags. A special setting and a special group of women. What a way to end the year.
Kolja Stürmer
Forum News
We are excited to announce that we launched two new forums last quarter and look forward to adding more this quarter. A huge congratulations to David Jooste for becoming a certified Seed Moderator. If you are interested in becoming a Seed moderator, please reach out to me: kolja@krdm.co.za. We are also excited to have Brian Brault visit Cape Town in March for in-person Forum Workshops and a Moderator Training on 4 March. Please book your workshop with your moderator as soon as possible.
Forum Retreats
SLP Forum 1
“The Breakfast Club held our annual retreat in Stanford at the tail end of 2024. We worked on ourselves and cycled (mostly) successfully through the incredible dunes of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. It was the perfect opportunity to connect with our newer members, Carl Niklaus Wallace and Elshe Naude, and become better acquainted with nature, bruises, and the merits of fine tequila.” — Kyra Antrobus
Carla Ferreira
MyEO
Welcome to a new year filled with opportunities to connect, create, and grow together! I’m excited to continue supporting and championing MyEO events that unite like-minded members, foster community, and ignite our shared passions. Let’s make this year more memorable with unique experiences, deeper connections, and fun. If you have ideas for events or want help starting something new, I’m here and ready to assist. Let’s keep building something extraordinary together.
MyEO Highlights
Padel Championship
Congratulations to Francois O’Kennedy for winning the latest Padel Championship and taking home the floating trophy! We are looking forward to the next round—who’s ready to challenge the champ?
Wolfie Festival—Last Spots Available: Don’t miss out!
The Wolfie Family Festival is happening this March, and there are only a few spots left. It will be an unforgettable weekend filled with fun for the whole family.
Join Our MyEO WhatsApp Groups
Looking to stay connected, share ideas, and join events with like-minded EO members? Join our growing MyEO communities:
MyEO (Not So Secret) Restaurant Club
MyEO Travel and Events
MyEO Chess
MyEO Padel Players
MyEO Cycling Club
Are you thinking of starting your own MyEO group or event? We can help you set it up or market it.
Special Congratulations
A huge shoutout to Forum 3 Amigos for hosting three MyEO events and winning R5000 towards their upcoming retreat. Well done on creating such meaningful experiences and setting an example for others.
Ceylan Thomson
SLP Programme
The EO Cape Town Spouse & Life Partner Programme (SLP) offers an incredible opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive – all at no additional cost. Here’s what SLPs get:
· A dedicated WhatsApp group to stay in the loop about upcoming EO events.
· Monthly Forums provide a safe space to share and grow together.
· Free events designed to inspire and connect our community.
Forum has given me a trusted support network and lifelong friendships. It’s where I’ve found encouragement, advice, and authentic connections.
We hope to launch the fourth SLP Forum soon. This is a unique opportunity for interested SLPs to experience the forum’s transformative power.
If you’re curious about what the Forum is like or considering joining, sign up for one of our upcoming Forum Trainings. Spaces are limited and fill up fast, so reach out to your SLP Champion today to secure your spot!
LEARN MORE
Join our SLP WhatsApp group to stay in the loop and connect with other members.
Attend a 1-day Forum Training to understand the EO approach better.
Join a forum and get your support group and new friends together.
JOIN GROUP
JOIN FORUM
New Member Welcomes
EOA Graduates
New Members
Elumni
Transfers
Helene Smuts
Iain Craven
Rebecca Stürmer
Oscar Smuts
Gary Sundelowitz
Keelan Whiting
John Rostance
Christof Lourens Tracey Chambers
Josh Romisher
Bruce Rowe
Pieter Malherbe
Leonard Cremer
2024 was an incredible year for our leadership development programme. Our 2iC network is going from strength to strength.
2025 promises to be a year of exciting learning opportunities, targeted leadership development, and epic networking events specifically for 2iC.
· · · An aligned leadership team that knows how to execute your ideas on People, Our next intake will be in July. Contact us now at heather@mcghospitality.com to reserve your space!
EOA Achievements and Updates
· Sixteen new Aces have joined EOA since July 2024, with two new Accountability Groups starting in January.
· We are the largest chapter in MEPA at 61 - 2nd globally.
· EOA introduced a referral incentive:
· R1,000 off renewal fees for the referring participant.
· A R250 voucher from Takealot for successful referrals made from December 2024 onwards.
A big thank you to the EO members who have stepped up to coach EOA participants. Special thanks to Cara Saven for coaching the Ihlumelo 2024 cohort!
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
EOA Learning ITBs: Stay tuned for details, including a special guest announcement.
Financial Year Highlights (2023/24)
The financial year (ending 30 June 2024) is a wrap and we thought it useful to share some of the key highlights.
Please note: This report pertains only to Cape Town member fees and expenses, which accounted for approx. 33% of your total membership fees in 2024. The remaining 67% was allocated to EO Global, for the extensive benefits that we as a chapter are able to tap into, if you haven’t yet attended one of the Extract value sessions to understand these please reach out to Jo. For detailed global financial reporting, you can access it on the EO Hub under Financial reporting, here.
Revenue Growth - Cape Town member revenue increased by 15%, driven by increased members and a 7% increase in membership fees year-on-year. Member numbers grew from 94 to 132 members over the 2 year period. Despite USD depreciation, we were able to limit the increase in fees to EO Global, thanks to a currency devaluation program successfully secured by the Cape Town Board.
Other contributions – Strategic Alliance Partner contributions and EO Global subsidies increased by 60%, equating to an additional 19% on member revenue income enabling the Board to further enhance the value delivered to members.
Controlled expenses:
· Total expenses grew in-line with increased gross profit, which resulted in an increase of 28% year on year.
· 54% of total expenditure was allocated to core member benefits, of engagement, learning, and forum activities.
· Board expenses were higher this year, as a result of increased travel for global conferences together with the strategic decision to send all 2025 Board members to the Global Leadership Conference (GLC), the first international GLC since 2019. Each Board member received a stipend to subsidise their attendance costs.
· Our Strategic Alliance Partner, Old Mutual contributed significantly to our first Cape Town retreat allowing it to be the successful event it was.
· The first Cape Town Chapter retreat happened in February 2024 and together with Strategic Alliance revenue from Old Mutual we were able to contribute significantly towards the expenses for this amazing event.
Below is a breakdown of expenses across the various categories for greater transparency.
Julie Caldicott
This resulted in a small net surplus of R11k for the year, and finds EO Cape Town in a healthy financial position. Thanks to Richard Marshall, Jo Grace and the 2023/2024 Boards for building a finance portfolio that has sound processes and enables transparent reporting. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Dave Parker in Cape Town
Our New Global CEO, Dave Parker, visited Cape Town in October for an insightful and inspiring three-day visit. We are proud that our chapter was chosen as a stop on his tour, which recognised us as a trailblazer in best practices and a vibrant example of EO’s thriving community.
Dave, a highly respected international business leader, and author of the widely acclaimed book: Trajectory, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our engagements. He visited as part of a global “listening tour”, during which he connected openly and directly with our EO and EOA community. Throughout his time with us, he shared thoughtful observations about the organisation and expressed his aspirations for impactful changes to enhance EO and empower us as entrepreneurs and member leaders
Dave’s commitment to strengthening EO’s value and relevance in today’s business landscape left a lasting impression. Thank you to all the EO members who joined in welcoming Dave.
Women of EO “Free to Be Retreat” Boschendal October 2024
In October, the second Women of EO retreat at Boschendal Estate offered an unforgettable opportunity to connect, reflect, and recharge.
Over two days, 24 women of EO engaged in activities ranging from creative workshops to a secret sunrise, engaging speakers, a yoga session, and sampling the local food and wine from Boschendal Estate—a special shout-out to our Johannesburg and Durban ladies who made the trip.
The weekend reminded attendees of the importance of self-care. Attendees explored how to rest, recover, and reevaluate, recognising the value of stepping back from life’s demands to focus on connection to self and others. The moments of pause, combined with opportunities to play and learn, made for a holistic and impactful experience.
“The Women of EO Retreat was deeply connecting for all the SLP, EOA and EO women who attended. The sessions and activities were beautifully curated to ensure that we left after 2 days feeling enriched in body, mind and spirit. The power of women when brought together cannot be put into words.” - Tracy Jones.
Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards
On 4 December, an enthusiastic audience gathered to attend the first in-person event of the South African edition of the Global Student Entrepreneurship Awards https://gsea.org (GSEA). Hosted in the Mother City, the awards were a collaboration between the three EO local chapters: Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Six student finalists from all over South Africa, brimming with passion and energy, took centre stage, inspiring the EO community with their entrepreneurial vision.
We are incredibly grateful to the Founders Foundation, our headline sponsor, without whose support this in-person event would not have been possible. A big thank you to our judges, Wesley Naidoo, Jonathan Kolher, Gaynor MacArthur, and Dana Pretorius, who posed insightful questions and created a space for exposure and growth for these young entrepreneurs.
Thanks also to Kim Whitaker, our GSEA Champion, who worked tirelessly to make this year’s awards a success, and to Nhlanhla Khambule from EO Durban, who served as MC on the day.
The top two winners, Penwell Silinda and Tumisho Thobejane travelled to Pakistan to compete in the MEPA finals. Tumisho smashed the MEPA quarter-finals and now progresses to the global semi-finals in Cape Town this May.
A HUGE THANK YOU to our wider EO Community who contributed prizes to the value of R300 0000. All of the students left with swag bags full of amazing gifts, and we all departed with a renewed sense of excitement for the reunion in 2025.
Watch this space for more GSEA news.
Thank you to all our Strategic Alliance Partners
Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth provide integrated plans for your holistic financial affairs, including investments, wealth structuring and transfer strategies, proactive tax planning and portfolio lifestyle and administration. They are also our generous Wealth Partner at EO Cape Town. Book a free financial affairs assessment with Sarette van den Heever
FNB is the Best SME Bank in South Africa, the Best Forex Bank in Africa, the Best Bank for Trade Finance, and one of the Best Banking Brands in the World. They are also our generous Banking Partner at EO Cape Town. For more information contact Shaun Gerber
OCFO builds world class finance functions for scaling companies. CFO Services, Cloud Accounting, Tax and all things Xero and Zoho. They provide 20% discount on fees for EO members*. Contact Michael Botha
Woww is a Cape Town based award winning digital marketing agency that helps businesses start, grow and thrive online. Woww offers key services such as: WordPress Web Design, SEO, E-commerce, Hosting, Graphic Design and Paid Advertising to help businesses achieve their online marketing goals with results that make you actually say “Wow!”. WOWW are building a brand new EO Cape Town Website. For more info contact Garnett Thorne
Caveat provides commercial legal solutions through a disruptive platform model, connecting businesses with freelance top-tier legal specialists. Through our distributed expertise model, we deliver Big Firm-quality legal support with quicker turnaround times and lower costs, making premium legal services more accessible to businesses worldwide. They are also our generous Legal Partner at EO Cape Town. For more information contact Loucile Botma
Workshop17 offers flexible office space, coworking spaces & meeting rooms in 9 locations throughout South Africa. They are our Events Space Partner at EO Cape Town. Please contact Jason Stone to book a discounted meeting room or discuss your office needs.
